friend chapter 4

Jade usually dated any handsome guy who confessed to her, but Cain was an exception. Cain, like our mother, was undeniably attractive, but Jade always rejected him outright with a cold “Get lost, Cain.” I once asked her why Cain was a no-go. Jade gave me a meaningful look before curtly replying, “Just because. I don’t like him.” Is it because he’s my brother? Is she worried things would be awkward between us if they broke up? That’s what I initially thought. But my opinion changed over time. Judging by Cain’s behavior, it seemed she simply found him pathetic. His face was his only redeeming quality, and he couldn’t even utilize that. How unfortunate.

“Get up. You’re embarrassing me.” Cain and Jade turned around at my voice. Jade smiled and ran to hug me. Cain clicked his tongue enviously and glared at me.
It was dinner time, so we headed straight to the dining room. My parents, already seated at the table, greeted Jade warmly. Jade often slept over at our house. Initially shy, she quickly warmed up to us thanks to our family’s genuine welcome. Mom, especially, adored Jade, warmly encouraging her to visit anytime.

“Oh my, Jade! You look beautiful today.” Sometimes, her enthusiasm was a bit much. When I first brought Jade home, she cried, saying, “Lumina finally has a friend!” I remember ignoring Jade’s look that clearly said, She must have been really lonely.

“Thank you, Madam. But Luna is even more beautiful.”

I choked on my soup, caught completely off guard. My usually silent father nodded in agreement. What was wrong with him? The atmosphere became awkward. Anyone could see Jade was the more beautiful one.

“Jade, I told you not to say that.”

“Why? It’s true.” Jade genuinely seemed confused. Surprisingly, in Jade’s eyes, I was the prettier one. The friend filter was strong with this one. I discreetly stepped on Cain’s foot as he was about to make a snide remark. He yelped, but everyone ignored him. It was a common occurrence.

“You’ll be entering the academy tomorrow.” Father suddenly spoke, his gaze fixed on his food, his expression unreadable. “…Do well.” I nodded. He probably meant I should get good grades at the academy. I was about to leave it at that when Mom sighed.

“Honey, just be honest. Who was it that said they couldn’t sleep because they were worried about Lumina leaving?”

“.…”

Father avoided her gaze. His ears seemed a bit red. The academy. The reality of it hit me again. The original story would begin, and Jade would meet the male leads. I hoped Jade wouldn’t stray too far this time. Constantly switching boyfriends and two-timing wasn’t good for her. And it was disrespectful to the other parties involved. Of course, most men were only interested in Jade’s appearance, but there had to be at least one or two who were sincere.

“Jade.”

“Hmm?”

Jade and I were in my room after dinner. I called out to her as she was lounging on the bed, and she sat up.

“Are you going to date at the academy?”

“I don’t know. I probably won’t have time with all the studying.”

“What if a handsome guy confesses to you?”

“Then I’ll date him.” I gave her a pointed look, and Jade giggled.

“You haven’t forgotten what I said, have you? Just as my feelings are precious…”

“I know, I know. Just as your feelings are precious, so are the feelings of other… people.”

“People, not ‘other guys’.”

“Ah, my mistake.” I rubbed the back of my neck. Ever since I regained my memories from my past life, I’d been trying to reform Jade. I understood her recklessness stemmed from issues within the Duke’s household. Still, if I left her unchecked, I didn’t know what kind of disaster would unfold.

I’d started early education to prevent her from becoming the infamous promiscuous Lady of the original story, but it didn’t seem to be very effective. Well, at least she hadn’t two-timed anyone yet. Though her boyfriends did change every few days…

“What about you, Luna? Are you going to date?” I hesitated at her question. Was it time to reveal my secret weapon?

“I don’t know about dating… but there is someone I like.” I’d finally said it. Jade’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What? Who is it? Why didn’t you tell me before?!”

“…His Highness, the Crown Prince.”